comma rules

^{Quick Guide to Commas}

• Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
• Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
• Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. ...
• Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that (relative clauses). That clauses after nouns are always essential. ...
Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. ...
Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift.
Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer back to the beginning or middle of the sentence. ...
Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.
Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation.
Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading.

What are some basic comma rules?

Ten Easy Comma Rules

• Rule 1: Use a comma between items that are listed in a series, which contain three or more words or clauses.
• Rule 2: Use a comma when quoting the words of others.
• Rule 3: Use a comma when writing dates and addresses.
• Rule 4: Use a comma after introductory phrases.

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What are four rules of using commas?

FOUR BASIC COMMA RULES 1. Use commas to separate items in a series of three or more. • Subjects in the program of study include English, math, and psychology. • Go up two flights of stairs, turn right, walk to the end of the hall, and you will be there. • The receptionist will admit you, the radiologist will x-ray you, the

What are all the comma rules?

Use a comma between all items in a series

• We bought apples, peaches, and bananas today. (series of words)
• Mary promised that she would be a good girl, that she would not bite her brother, and that she would not climb onto the television. (series of clauses)
• The instructor looked through his briefcase, through his desk, and around the office for the lost grade book. (series of phrases)

What are the rules for using commas correctly?

Where to use a comma in a sentence?

• Before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses– and, for, so, yet, but, or, nor You can come with me to the party, or you can go home with ...
• After each item in a list Eggs, fruits, and milk are all good breakfast foods.
• Before a quotation begins She said, “I will not be able to come to the workshop today.”

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What are the 8 rules for commas?

Commas (Eight Basic Uses)Use a comma to separate independent clauses. ... Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. ... Use a comma between all items in a series. ... Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses. ... Use a comma to set off appositives. ... Use a comma to indicate direct address. ... Use commas to set off direct quotations.More items...

What are the 5 Rules of commas?

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. ... Use commas before and after a parenthetical phrase or clause. ... Use a comma to separate two independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor or, so, yet) ... Use a comma to separate items in a series.More items...

What are the 13 rules of commas?

13 Rules For Using Commas Without Looking Like An IdiotUse a comma before any coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) that links two independent clauses. ... Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence. ... Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence.More items...•

What are the 12 rules for commas?

ShareUse a comma to separate items in a list (but beware of the serial comma). ... Use a comma to join independent clauses. ... Use a comma to join a dependent clause and an independent clause. ... Use a comma following an introductory word group. ... Use a comma to interrupt a sentence or to provide additional information.More items...

What are the 10 uses of comma?

The Ten Uses of a CommaLinking coordinating main clauses. ... Marking off introductory and contextualising words and phrases at the start of the sentence. ... Inserting additional information at the end of a sentence. ... Signalling implications, examples and introducing argumentative points. ... Parenthetical elements mid-sentence.More items...

What are the 6 uses of commas?

Commas (Eight Basic Uses) ... USE A COMMA TO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. ... USE A COMMA AFTER AN INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE OR PHRASE. ... USE A COMMA BETWEEN ALL ITEMS IN A SERIES. ... USE COMMAS TO SET OFF NONRESTRICTIVE CLAUSES. ... USE A COMMA TO SET OFF APPOSITIVES. ... USE A COMMA TO INDICATE DIRECT ADDRESS.More items...

What are the 3 comma rules?

Since I made such a stink about it, let's start with this rule:Use a comma between items in a series or list.Use a comma between two independent clauses separated by a conjunction.Use a comma between two adjectives preceding a noun.Your Mission.

Do I put a comma before Which?

Use a comma before which when it introduces a nonrestrictive phrase. Don't use a comma before which when it's part of a prepositional phrase, such as “in which.” Don't use a comma before which when it introduces an indirect question.

What are commas examples?

2. Examples of Comma UseThe pet store has cats, dogs, hamsters, fish, and turtles. Listing things.I really wanted cereal this morning, but I didn't have any milk. Connecting clauses.Well, if you really want pancakes, I guess I can make them. Creating pauses.

How do you remember comma rules?

Remember These 12 Rules When Using Commas#1 Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) that links two independent clauses. ... #2 Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence. ... #3 Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence.More items...•

Can you have 3 commas in a sentence?

If you have sentences like, "Bob walked, to, the store, slowly" then yes, there are too many commas. But a sentence that contains a list could legitimately have many commas. Like, "He found a bottle, three coins, two keys, a small metal box, a pack of matches, some scraps of paper, and a patridge in a pear tree."

Does I love you mom need a comma?

The comma is correct. A comma is one way to indicate direct address in English, e.g.: I love you, mom.

How to know if a comma is needed?

Another way to determine if a comma is needed is to mentally put and between the two adjectives. If the result still makes sense, add the comma. In the examples above, a strong and healthy man makes sense, but an expensive and summer resort does not. Rule 3a.

When to use a comma in a sentence?

Example: That is my money, not yours. Rule 16a. Use a comma before and after certain introductory words or terms , such as namely, that is, i.e., e.g., and for instance, when they are followed by a series of items.

When is a comma unnecessary?

A comma is usually unnecessary when the sentence starts with an independent clause followed by a dependent clause. Example: Let me know now if you are not sure about this. Rule 5. Use commas to set off nonessential words, clauses, and phrases (see Who, That, Which, Rule 2b).

What is the most commonly used punctuation mark?

Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. Commas customarily indicate a brief pause; they're not as final as periods. Rule 1. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew.

When to use a comma in an introduction?

If such a phrase contains more than one preposition, a comma may be used unless a verb immediately follows the phrase.

Do fiction books use commas?

Fiction and nonfiction books generally prefer the Oxford comma. Writers must decide Oxford or no Oxford and not switch back and forth, except when omitting the Oxford comma could cause confusion as in the cheese and crackers example. Rule 2. Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the order of the adjectives is interchangeable.

Do newspapers use the Oxford comma?

Most newspapers and magazine s drop the Oxford comma in a simple series, apparently feeling it's unnecessary. However, omission of the Oxford comma can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Example: We had coffee, cheese and crackers and grapes.

When to use a comma in a sentence?

Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

Why is a comma important?

The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because it separates the structural elements of sentences into manageable segments. The rules provided here are those found in traditional handbooks; however, in certain rhetorical contexts and for specific purposes, these rules may be broken.

When to use a comma in a quote?

Use a comma when you’re quoting someone or when a character is speaking in dialogue. When the quote comes first in the sentence, put the comma inside the quotation marks.

When to put commas after date?

When you’re including dates in a sentence, you need to add commas after the year, as well as after the day of the week. On Friday, May 13, 2009, I turned 12 years old. President Roosevelt called December 7, 1941, a day that would live in infamy. April 19, 1775, was the day that the American Revolution began.

What is an intro clause?

Introductory clauses and phrases are groups of words that come before an independent clause in a sentence. When you start a sentence with a dependent clause, you follow it with a comma (just like that sentence!).

What is a non-defining clause?

Non-defining clauses add more details about a noun in a sentence, but they’re not essential. The sentence still makes sense when you remove them. Use commas to separate non-defining relative clauses from the rest of your sentence.

Do you need a comma at the end of a sentence?

If you add these phrases to the end of the sentence, they don’t require commas. For example, “The dog barked at me to scare me away” doesn’t need a comma to separate the infinitive phrase from the rest of the sentence. 3. Use Commas After Introductory Adverbs and Mild Interjections.

Can a comma be used instead of a conjunction?

Commas are powerful, but they can’t function in the same way as conjunctions. Using a comma instead of a conjunction is known as a comma splice, and it’s a common grammatical error. It looks like this:

Do you need a comma when writing a list of nouns?

When you’re writing a list of nouns, verbs, or any other part of speech, you’ll need to include commas to separate them. The same goes for a list of phrases and clauses.

When to put a comma in a sentence?

Normally, you should put a comma between two complete sentences that are joined with a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but, for, nor, so, yet) that creates a single sentence with two independent clauses:

How to use commas in a list?

Rule #1: Use Commas to Separate Items in a List. This probably the first use of commas you learned in school: separating items in a list of three or more things. Here’s an example: The cake mix requires flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Note that some style guides would not add the comma after the word “eggs”.

What is the comma used after the penultimate item in a list?

We need bread, milk, cheese and eggs. In the first case, the “serial comma” or “Oxford comma” is used after the penultimate item in the list. In the second case, that comma is omitted. Some writers have very strong feelings for and against the serial comma.

Can you use a comma between two independent clauses?

Rule #9: Don’t Use a Comma Between Two Independent Clauses (Without a Conjuction) If you have two independent clauses, you can’t just use a comma to join them. You can use a semi-colon, or you can use a conjunction plus a comma. Incorrect: There were no clouds in the sky, I went for a jog.

Do you put a comma before or after a sentence?

Sometimes, you might want to include extra information within a sentence that isn’t essential to its meaning. You should set this information off using a comma before and a comma after it: John went for a jog, which took half an hour, before having a long hot shower.

Do you put a comma after the adjective?

You shouldn’t put a comma after the final adjective. For example: He’s a cheerful, kind boy. A comma is used here, because it would also make sense to say, “He’s a cheerful and kind boy”. There’s a blue bath towel on your bed. Here, “bath” is acting as an adjective to modify “towel”, but it’s not coordinate with “blue”.

Do you need a comma in Sue and John?

John was determined to get the unicorn slime his daughter wanted, but all the shops had sold out. You don’t need a comma if both the independent clauses are relatively short and similar in meaning: Sue went to the shops and John went home.

What does a comma tell you?

A comma tells readers that the introductory clause or phrase has come to a close and that the main part of the sentence is about to begin. When Evan was ready to iron, his cat tripped on the cord. Near a small stream at the bottom of the canyon, park rangers discovered a gold mine. 3.

When to use a comma in a series?

Use a comma between all items in a series. Rule: Use a comma to separate each item in a series; a series is a group of three or more items having the same function and form in a sentence. We bought apples, peaches, and bananas today. (series of words)

What are some examples of commas in numbers?

In numbers four digits long, a comma is optional. Examples: 3,500 [or 3500] 100,000.

When a speaker in a sentence names the person to whom he is speaking, this addressing of his audience

Rule: When a speaker in a sentence names the person to whom he is speaking, this addressing of his audience is called direct address. Direct address is indicated by the use of a comma or commas, depending upon its placement within the sentence.

Is zip code preceded by a comma?

Rules for addresses: The elements of an address or place name are separated by commas. A zip code , however, is not preceded by a comma. Examples: John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England, in 1940.

Do you put a comma in a direct quotation?

Use commas to set off direct quotations. Rule: A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. If the speaker (not the listener) in the conversation is identified, his name, (or the noun or pronoun used to refer to the speaker), and the verb that refers to his speaking are enclosed within commas.

Which introductory phrases should be followed by a comma?

Common introductory phrases that should be followed by a comma include participial and infinitive phrases, absolute phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, and long prepositional phrases (over four words). Having finished the test, he left the room. To get a seat, you'd better come early.

What does a comma do in the Constitution?

The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.

What are some words that should be followed by a comma?

Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door. Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class. If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.

What is the comma used for in a name?

9. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names. Birmingham, Alabama, gets its name from Birmingham, England. July 22, 1959, was a momentous day in his life.

When to use commas in a sentence?

Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer to the beginning or middle of the sentence. Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the sentence without causing confusion. (If the placement of the modifier causes confusion, then it is not "free" and must remain "bound" to the word it modifies.)

When to use commas in conjunctions?

1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave. The student explained her question, yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.

Do you put a comma between the final adjective and the noun itself?

Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal ("co"-ordinate) status in describing the noun; neither adjective is subordinate to the other.

What is the comma rule for appositive words?

Rule 10: Use a comma to set off an appositive word or phrase that is used to describe or identify another noun. Example: That was the best day of my life, the day when my daughter was born. (“day” is repeated and is described further after the comma). Don’t let these ten comma rules make you feel overwhelmed.

What are the 10 commas?

The Ten Comma Rules. Rule 1: Use a comma between items that are listed in a series, which contain three or more words or clauses. Example: We went to a movie, ate dinner and then went to a party. Example: I bought a chocolate cake, strawberry pie and some ice cream for the party. Rule 2:

Why do we use commas in a sentence?

Commas are a useful punctuation device that separates the structural components of a sentence. However, so many people do not know how to use them correctly. Learn the comma rules once and for all so you can prevent comma splices in your papers. Before you can understand when to use a comma and when not to, you need to know what elements need ...

When to use a comma in an adjective?

Use a comma to set off an adjective clause if it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Adjective clauses usually start with words like that, which or who. Example: My uncle, who lives in Santa Barbara, loves to surf. Example: The college, which is in El Cajon, is very nice.

When to use a comma after a subordinate clause?

Use a comma after a subordinate/dependent clause when it begins a sentence. Subordinate/dependent clauses begin with words like if, because, after, when, as, while, since, even though, although, before, and whenever.

When to use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses. A coordinating conjunction, also known as FANBOYS, include for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Remember independent clauses are two complete sentences.

What is the rule for conjunctive adverbs?

For a better explanation on adjective clauses, click here. Rule 8: Use a common when using conjunctive adverbs. Conjunctive adverbs are words like however, on the other hand, although, nevertheless, consequently, therefore, especially, moreover, and for example .

When to put a comma before "fanboys"?

When two independent clauses that each contain a subject and a verb are connected by for, and , nor, but, or, yet, or so (a list of coordinating conjunctions also known by the acronym FANBOYS), put a comma before the FANBOYS.

Why do we put commas in sentences?

Sometimes commas are used to indicate omitted material in a sentence that can be understood from context: The little old lady’s statement took forty-five minutes; mine, four hours. However, if you don’t need these commas for clarity, don’t use them.

Do you put a comma at the beginning of a sentence?

This lets your reader know the main action of the sentence is yet to come.

Do you separate a noun with a comma?

Two adjectives that modify one noun should be separated by commas if they both have the same descriptive force: The silly, frightened purse-snatcher dropped the purse with all its contents.